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Phillies Taijuan Walk shoots for Rockies road sweep
The Philadelphia Phillies began their first road trip this season with two impressive victories over the Colorado Rockies. The Phillies will try to complete the sweep on Sunday when they finish the three-game series. Philadelphia, who won 2-1 on Saturday night, will match up Taijuan Walker (0-0, 11.57 ERA), against Colorado's Tomoyuki Sugano (00-0, 1.93 ERA), in a matchup of right-handers. Walker had a tough start for the Phillies in his first game of the year, giving up seven hits on ten in four and a half innings on Monday against Washington. He can improve against the Rockies. Walker is 5-1 in 10 career starts against Colorado with a 2.36 ERA. In 2025, he went 2-0 and had a 2.45 ERA over two appearances against the Rockies. Walker can build on the Phillies' first two starts this weekend. Aaron Nola, Jesus Luzardo and their combined teams struck out 20 batters in each of their respective appearances. Nola was able to benefit from a strong run support during a 10-1 victory on Friday, but Philadelphia only scored two runs Saturday night. The Phillies offense has struggled, except for the 10 runs they scored on Friday. Bryce Harper stated that seasons can sometimes be like this. Some guys have great first months, but then have a horrible rest of the season. They can have a bad month, but then win MVP. You play the entire season because you want to. You shouldn't place too much emphasis on the first few games. You play your own game. It's important to remember that the season is long and it's worth playing all of it. Philadelphia will face a pitcher that it has not faced before. Sugano made a good debut for Colorado on Monday, when the Rockies thrashed Toronto 14-5. Sugano allowed only one run on just two hits, but a high pitch count kept him from going beyond 4 2/3 innings. Colorado signed Sugano (?36) to shore up its rotation, which struggled in 2025. The Rockies' pitching has improved this year, but, like the Phillies, their offense has been a struggle. Colorado has scored 5 runs in its last 4 games. The Rockies scored 15 goals in their Friday home opener and another 13 on Saturday night. This has played a role in the Rockies' 1-4 start in games with one run. After the 2-1 defeat, Warren Schaeffer stated that the "big thing" with Saturday's strikeout was we missed too many pitch in the zone and early in the count. "You can't chase late and miss pitches early, it's a bad combination." Despite the strikeout problems, there have been some positives. Ezequiel Torvar, a rookie, has a.294 average after he went 1-for-4 on Saturday. Troy Johnston is batting.333 and has one of Colorado's first eight home runs. Field Level Media
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Kuwait Petroleum Corp. reports damage to units following Iran drone attacks
On?Sunday?, Iranian drone attacks hit multiple targets in Kuwait. State?energy company Kuwait Petroleum Corporation reported fires and "severe damage" to some units. KPC stated in a press release that teams are working to contain fires at National Petroleum Company and Petrochemical Industries Company affiliates. KPC said earlier that a drone had attacked the complex housing the KPC headquarters and oil ministry in Shuwaikh. Kuwaiti state media, citing Kuwait's finance ministry, reported that an Iranian drone had allegedly 'hit an office complex of government ministries, inflicting significant material damage, but no injuries. Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity and Water said that two power-generating units were taken out after Iranian drones attacked two desalination and power plants. The damage was significant. In all incidents, no injuries have been reported. The U.S. and Israeli 'war on Iran' is now in its sixth weeks, with Tehran attacking Israel and Gulf Arab states that host U.S. military bases. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have claimed responsibility for the attacks on Kuwaiti petrochemical facilities, as well as those in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
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PMI data shows that Saudi Arabia's non oil business activity shrank in March amid conflict.
A 'business survey' revealed that Saudi Arabian non-oil sector activity fell in March for the first time since August 20. The war in the Middle East had slowed down supply chains. S&P Global's?seasonally-adjusted Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing managers' Index (PMI) fell to 48.8 from 56.1 in Feb. The readings below 50 indicate contraction. Naif Al Ghaith is the chief economist at Riyad Bank. He said that the drop into contraction was largely due to short-term uncertainties linked with the geopolitical tensions of the region. "The soft reading was mainly?driven by a pause in the new orders, as clients adopted more caution." Export orders experienced a notable drop, and some firms reported a temporary slowdown of cross-border activities. This led to a moderated output, Al-Ghaith explained. For the first time, both output and new orders have declined since August 2020, when the COVID-19 epidemic brought economies to a grinding halt. New orders dropped to 45.2 in March, down from 61.8 in February. Export demand was weakening sharply. New export orders posted their steepest drop?in nearly six years. Exports were 'completely stopped' by some firms, while others experienced greater logistical problems. The conflict has slowed the flow of water through the Strait of Hormuz, but the supply strains have increased. This situation may continue as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked. Business expectations for the coming 12 months remain 'positive' despite a 'weakening of their lowest level since June 2020. Some firms are still confident about government spending, the development of infrastructure and the improvement in demand on the long term. (Reporting and Editing by Hugh Lawson).
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South Korea asks Gulf Nations for a steady supply of energy and safety of Korean vessels
The South Korean Ministry of Finance announced that Koo 'Yun-cheol, Minister of Finance, met with envoys of Gulf countries on Sunday to discuss energy security and the safety of 'Korean vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. This is due to the escalating Iran conflict disrupting shipping. The ministry said that during the Friday meeting, Koo requested the ambassadors of the Gulf Cooperation Council to ensure a constant supply of oil, liquefied gas, naphtha and urea as well as other critical resources. He also asked them to ensure the safety and security for Korean vessels and crews near this vital strait. The statement stated that the envoys referred to South Korea as a nation of "top priority". They also pledged to work closely with Seoul in order to maintain a stable supply. Like many Asian economies, South Korea relies heavily upon energy imports. This includes through the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz was the conduit for 20% of 'world oil' before Israel and the U.S. launched their war on the 28th of February. Since then, Iran has effectively closed the waterway. This has pushed up energy prices and raised fears of a global recession. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait and Oman are the six GCC member states. Reporting by Cynthia Kim, Editing by William Mallard
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Egypt increases electricity prices for households and businesses that use more energy amid energy crisis
The electricity ministry announced on Saturday that Egypt will raise electricity prices for residential and commercial consumers who use more electricity. This increase is due to a global energy crisis caused by the Gulf War. The government has taken a number of measures to reduce energy consumption and curb fiscal pressures as rising import costs put pressure on the finances of the most populous Arab country. The ministry stated that the increase would only affect households with higher consumption and commercial users. This was done to ensure the supply of electricity across residential, industrial and commercial sectors. The report said that electricity rates for residential bands up to 2,000 kilowatt hours per month would remain the same, but tariffs for higher residential brackets will increase by an average 16%. It added that commercial electricity prices in all brackets will increase on average by about 20%. In March, Prime Minister Mostafa. Madbouly stated that Egypt's energy import bills had more than doubled in the last few years since the start of the conflict involving the United States and Israel. This forced the government to increase fuel prices, raise fares for public transportation, and slow down some state projects, to relieve pressure on the public finances. Egypt implemented measures to rationalise its energy consumption in March, including a move towards earlier closing times for commercial venues. This was due to the rise of global oil prices during the conflict. Inflation has been in double digits since September 2023, when it peaked at 38%. The country is already struggling with heavy debts. Reporting by Momen Atallah and Enas Alashray
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Slovak PM: EU should lift sanctions on Russian oil, gas and other energy sources to improve energy security
Robert Fico, the Slovakian Prime Minister, said that the European Union must end sanctions on Russian oil and gas imports and take steps to restore Druzhba pipeline flows, as well as end the conflict in Ukraine, in order to tackle the energy crisis stemming from the war with Iran. Fico stated in a press release after a phone call with Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban, that the EU should re-establish dialogue with Russia to ensure member states get gas and oil from all sources including Russia. Hungary and Slovakia are the only two EU countries that maintain relations with Moscow. Oil prices have risen?since U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran began on February 28, causing a disruption to oil supplies in the Gulf and causing what the International Energy Agency calls the largest oil supply interruption in history. Central European nations have taken steps to reduce the impact of high fuel prices on consumers and businesses. By the end of 2025, only a fraction of EU oil imports came from Russia. This was after a steep decline in imports following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. By January 27, Kyiv reported that a Russian drone attack had hit Ukrainian pipeline equipment, disrupting Russian oil?shipments. Budapest and Bratislava accuse Ukraine of intentionally delaying repairs in order to resume oil flow through the Druzhba pipe. This has triggered a political dispute which?has seen Hungary blocking an EU loan for Kyiv. Ukraine claims it is repairing it as fast as possible. Fico stated that it is not enough to address the energy crisis at the national or only local level. Five other European Union countries are also calling for a windfall profit tax on energy companies in response to rising fuel prices. This was revealed by a letter sent to the EU Commission on Saturday. The energy chief of the bloc said on Tuesday that it was considering reinstating energy crisis measures from 2022. This included proposals to reduce grid tariffs and electricity taxes.
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Taiwan has received assurances from a'major country' about LNG supplies
Taiwan's economy minister announced on Saturday that the energy minister of a "major country" producing liquefied gas had given Taiwan assurances about supply. He was speaking in relation to the?impact of the Iran War on Middle East energy imports. Taiwan, which is a major producer of semiconductors, relied on Qatar to supply around a third its LNG prior to the conflict. It has now said that it has secured alternative supplies from countries such as Australia and the United States for the months ahead. Kung Ming Hsin, Taiwan's Economy Minister, told reporters in Taipei that Taiwan enjoys good relations with its?crude gas and natural oil suppliers. Therefore, adjusting the origin of shipments or purchasing additional spot -cargoes will not be a problem. Kung stated that the energy minister from a "major energy producing country" had contacted him about two weeks prior. The person "explained that they would fully support our natural gas needs. He added that if we had any requests, we could let them know. Kung added: "Another nation even stated that certain countries had released strategic petroleum reserves and could help coordinate the matter if Taiwan needed assistance." He said, "This shows Taiwan has earned considerable international goodwill through the long-term confidence it has built." He refused to identify the countries involved. Angela Lin, spokesperson of state-owned refiner CPC said that at the same?newsconference, crude oil inventories are being maintained at levels prior to conflict and that overall petrochemical supply has remained stable. CPC Chairman Fang Jeng Zen said that a new agreement with the U.S. would see 1.2 millions metric tons of LNG delivered?annually. He added that Taiwan does not intend to import crude oil or LNG from Russia. (Reporting and editing by Ben Blanchard, Roger Tung and Joe Bavier).
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Five EU Finance Ministers Call for Tax on Windfall Profits of Energy Companies
In response to fuel prices rising due to the Iran War, five?European Union Finance Ministers have called for a tax to be placed on the 'windfall profits' of energy companies. This was revealed in a letter sent to the EU Commission on Saturday. In a joint letter dated on Friday, the finance ministers from Germany, Italy Spain Portugal and Austria called for such a move, stating that it would "signal" to others that they are united and capable of taking action. They wrote: "It will also send a message that those who benefit from the war's consequences must do their part in easing the burden of?the public." Since the U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran began on 28 February, oil and gas prices have risen dramatically. This is similar to the energy crises Europe experienced after Russia invaded Ukraine - in '2022 - despite the fact that EU countries are now getting more of their energy from renewable sources. LETTER HIGHLIGHTS 'MARKET DISTORTIONS' In a letter addressed to EU Climate commissioner Wopke Hekstra, the Ministers referred to the possibility of a similar tax to be implemented in 2022 as a way to combat high energy prices. They wrote: "Given current market distortions, and fiscal constraints the European Commission must develop quickly a similar EU wide contribution instrument based on a sound legal basis." The letter did not specify the level of windfall taxes that ministers would propose, nor which companies should be affected. The energy chief of the bloc said on Tuesday that it is considering reviving measures taken in response to the energy crisis in 2022. This includes proposals to "curb grid rates" and taxes on electricity. After Russia cut off gas deliveries, the EU implemented a series of emergency policies. These included a?EU-wide gas price cap, a tax imposed on windfall profits of energy companies, and targets to?reduce gas demand. The Middle East conflict has a significant impact on the global energy prices. Since the U.S. and Israel war against?Iran started on February 28, European gas prices have risen'more than 70%. Dan Jorgensen, EU Energy Commissioner, said that Brussels is particularly worried about the supply of refined petroleum in Europe such as diesel and jet fuel. Reporting by Andreas Rinke, Writing by Tom Sims, Editing by Alison Williams
Green hydrogen retreat threatens emissions targets
Around the globe, green hydrogen developers are cancelling their projects and reducing investments. This could lead to a longer-than-targeted reliance on fossil energy.
The sector's initial goals have been exposed as being unrealistic due to the challenges it faces.
Green hydrogen is prohibitively expensive for industries that are hard to electrify, like steelmaking and long distance transportation.
Jun Sasamura is the hydrogen manager for Westwood Global Energy. He said that the gap between European ambitions and actuality shows the magnitude of the industry's reset.
He said that only a fifth (or less) of all planned hydrogen projects in the European Union will be operational by the end decade. Westwood Global Energy data show that this translates to approximately 12 GW in production capacity compared to an EU target for 40 GW.
He added, "I don't think the EU 2030 target (hydrogen production), will be met in the current state."
Expectations Inflation
Many companies claim that the high costs of green hydrogen and the lack of demand have made many plans unprofitable.
Miguel Stilwell d'Andrade is the chief executive officer of Portuguese energy company EDP. He said: "Green hydrogen had been an inflated expectation which has now turned into a valley or disillusionment."
The demand is missing. In Spain and Portugal there are 400 million Euros ($464.2 Million) in subsidies for hydrogen, but we still need someone to purchase the hydrogen.
Ana Quelhas is the chief of EDP's Hydrogen and Co-Chair of the European Renewable Hydrogen Coalition. She said that although several projects are in advanced stages, they cannot be moved forward due to a lack buyers.
Iban Molina, a company executive from Spain, said that Iberdrola had put on hold plans to expand the capacity of a green hydrogen plant with an electrolyser capability of 20 MW, until it found buyers for more output.
In recent years, they are one of more than a dozen major companies who have cut back on spending or shelved certain projects in Europe, Asia and Australia.
Westwood Global Energy reports that companies had cancelled or delayed over a fifth (or more) of all European projects at the end of 2017.
Emma Woodward, at Aurora Energy Research said: "In the years 2020-2021, we had this vision of hydrogen being used in nearly every sector which hadn't yet been electrified.
"I believe we have realised that there are probably other, more commercially viable alternatives in many sectors." We may not need as much hydrogen initially thought.
Too Expensive
Many governments have supported the development of green hydrogen for many years. This is produced by electrolysis, which splits water using renewable electricity into hydrogen and oxygen.
Australia, Britain and Germany, as well as Japan, announced ambitious investment plans that they hoped would lower costs and create a green hydrogen industry that was profitable and would not need any support.
Minh Khoi Le is Rystad's director of hydrogen research.
Grey hydrogen is twice as costly as natural gas, as an example. This latter product is made from coal and natural gas, and is used in many industries including oil refining, ammonia production and methanol.
He added that costs could drop by 30-40% if the equipment prices fall and the supply chain is scaled up. Meanwhile, Woodward of Aurora and Sasamura of Westwood Global Energy said green hydrogen would not be competitive until then.
Wood Mackenzie, a consultancy, says that only 6 million metric tonnes per annum of low-carbon hydrogen is operational or being built in the world, including green and blue hydrogen, which are made from gas.
The consultancy estimates that 450 mtpa is required to achieve net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. The EU has pledged to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, on the way to its 2050 goal.
The market is priced out of reach for buyers
The industry expected sectors like steel, oil refinement, cement, and transportation to be the first buyers. However, the demand that was expected has not materialised.
Dirostahl is a German die-forging company that makes parts for wind turbines and ships, as well as oil and gas drilling pipes. It is dependent on natural gas fired furnaces and is searching for an alternative.
Green hydrogen is too expensive. The fuel is not available for less than 150 euros per megawatt-hour (MWh), while natural gas costs between 30-35 euros/MWh.
"It just doesn't work." In practice, it's economic suicide. "We'd be totally uncompetitive", he said.
The high price of electrolysers for large-scale production is due to infrastructure bottlenecks, and the increased cost of energy resulting from new rules defining what constitutes "green hydrogen".
Some European countries have reduced their ambitions. Italy recently switched 600 million euros of post-pandemic funding from hydrogen to biomethane. In April, France reduced its 2030 target for hydrogen electrolysis by over 30% and Portugal cut its electrolysis ambitions by 45%.
Last year, the Dutch government made drastic cuts in the funds allocated for the development of green hydrogen and batteries. Instead, the climate fund was redirected to the construction of two nuclear power plants.
In Australia, several players have scaled back their projects or pulled out despite the government's support of more than A$8 Billion ($5.2 Billion).
Even projects that are moving forward face delays. Rystad analysts estimate that 99 percent of the A$100 billion projects announced in the next five-year period have not progressed beyond the concept stage or approval.
DIFFICULTIES IN INFRASTRUCTURE
Hydrogen is also difficult to store, as it requires tanks with high pressure and extremely low temperatures. It can also leak. This makes transporting hydrogen through the old gas pipelines, while waiting for new infrastructure, a risky proposition.
Spain hopes to build 2,600 km (1.615 miles) of hydrogen network, and connect it with another project. The trans-European link H2Med - from Iberian to Northwest Europe.
Arturo Gonzalo is the CEO of Spanish gas grid operator Enagas. He said that while the Spanish network will be operational by 2030, delays of up to two years may occur for other European infrastructure.
He said: "Infrastructure does not happen when the market is already booming; it's something that must be done for the market to burgeon." ($1 = 0.8617 euros) ($1 = 1.5340 Australian dollars)
(source: Reuters)